When it comes to kitchen design today, cherry and maple cabinets are hot, as are quartzite countertopsand custom paneled appliances. So says a recent national survey of kitchen designers conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and luxury appliance manufacturer Thermador. With 206 participants – all of whom are NKBA certified designers – the online survey identifies several trends influencing today’s kitchen design – from popular colors and finishes used in designs, to new materials, and even new technologies being incorporated by designers.

Style and ColorOver half (56.8%) of the kitchen designers surveyed described their most often requested type of kitchen design as traditional. However, designers identified contemporary and clean, simple lines as kitchen design trends to watch for. When asked for the top three most used cabinetry finishes, over three-fourths of designers report using cherry and maple, while paints and exotic woods tied for third. This contrasts with once dominant oak cabinetry, with only 15% of designers reporting usage. Moreover, designers identify stainless steel as the top color scheme in today’s kitchen designs with 60.8% of designers reporting usage, followed by beiges/bones with 57.7%.

Appliances91.8% of designers still believe that stainless steel is the most popular finish for appliances. However, custom paneling is more commonly incorporated into today’s kitchen designs. 77.3% of designersreport the frequent use of custom panels on appliances for cabinetry integration. Appliances most often receiving paneling are dishwashers (96.2%) and refrigeration (91.3%). Designers identified modular refrigeration (28.4%), along with induction cooktops (35.6%) and speedcooking ovens (21.6%), as one of the most exciting kitchen technologies.

Countertops and BacksplashesWhen asked to name the top countertop materials used, 94% of designers named granite most frequently. However, while granite remains the top countertop material, another stone material – quartzite, noted for its durability – comes in a strong second with 65.1% of designers reporting usage. The top three backsplash materials identified by designers were tile (94.3%), followed by granite (51%) and glass (43.8%).

Functionality and Layout The survey also suggests that more than one cook is in the kitchen, with two-thirds (67%) of designers frequently incorporating multiple cooking stations into their designs – such as a range and a wall oven or a range and a cooktop. Moreover, appliances are being installed into islands, with 69.6% of designers reporting frequently doing so. Also, supporting the trend of multiple cooks, 78.9% of designers frequently incorporate a prep sink into islands or other locations in the kitchen for increasedfunctionality. “Kitchens are more commonly becoming a household’s hub,” said Ed Pell, manager of marketing research at the NKBA. “With multiple cooks working in the kitchen, and more entertaining and family activities conducted there, designers want to fulfill their client’s desire for increasedfunctionality with efficient work areas.”

Consumer AttitudesWhen it comes to appliances, a majority of designers say clients believe that high-end appliances are a good home investment, which makes it no surprise that 99.5% of designers said their clients are interested in professional-style appliances. In fact, designers indicate premium appliances are the number one “dream” item amongst their clients (46.2%) – winning over custom cabinetry (29.7%) and special countertops (14.4%).

Other FindingsDesigners were also asked to name new trends to take note of, and many identified new color applications. Specifically, greater use of color in cabinets was cited as an up and coming trend, as was the use of two colored cabinetry and molding, and the overall bolder use of color.

Question: If money and size were not a consideration, what is your fantasy kitchen? And why?

Choice A: Sleek and sophisticated like Mr. Bolle’s (photo above)

Choice B: House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the month for June – Stephanie Stokes New York petite cuisineChoice C: A simple, sleekly modern in black and whiteChoice D: A Classic, cottage style by Susan Serra (The Kitchen Designer)Choice E: Modern with mixed elements by Arclinea

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